International
2005-08-17 - Austria vs Scotland
A Sports Betting Pick by Litmanen
The only other worthy betting option this midweek appears to be opposition of Scotland, which as painful as it is for me to do, seems a great option here, given the circumstances surrounding this friendly. That said Austria at home are a solid enough team all the same but the value lies in the Scots’ problems.To begin with I must make it clear that Walter Smith was not too keen on this friendly, for it was not he that organized it, but instead his unsuccessful predecessor, one Berti Vogts, but as the game is the calendar, it must be played, albeit with an almost completely second string Scottish side.
As usual Scotland go into an international with an ever increasing list of injuries but to add to that coach Smith has allowed all players involved in European action with their clubs to sit the game out, which makes up more than half of his usual first-choice eleven so while this does give others a chance to shine, the Scots are clearly under strength.
The impressive Derek Riordan for instance, young and enthusiastic, on the back of an excellent season with Hibs, is in line for his first start in the Scottish ranks but against an Austrian side that is determined to continue a fine recent run that includes home and away victories over the Welsh, it seems as though the Scottish youngsters are being thrown in at the deep end.
Scotland’s preparations were disrupted at departure too as their plane was delayed since it was too small to transport the players’ kits but at the end of the day Scotland is not too bothered by this game – it is a matter of experimenting and avoiding injuries to their better players who will be need so dearly for the qualifiers coming up in September.
The Pick :
Austria
BEST BETTING TIP :
Austria is not an amazing side but they should be able to beat Scotland’s B team, if not, I will have a laugh at their expense and from my Scottish eyes would be pretty satisfied but 1.70 on the home win is too high.Take Interwetten’s offer on Austria with medium stakes.
